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When switching between some chords, like A and D, you are able to pivot around the index finger, holding it down while you move your other fingers around it. You almost have that situation when you switch between E and A—almost, but not quite. This time, your index finger stays on the third string for both chords, but it doesn’t stay at the same fret. Try this step-by-step breakdown to get from E to A:

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Lift up your second and third fingers while keeping down your index finger on the third string.

Slide your index finger up along the string from the first to the second fret.

Set down your middle finger on the second fret of the fourth string, and your third finger on the second fret of the fifth string.

To switch from A back to E, reverse the process:

From playing an A chord, lift up your second and third fingers while keeping down your index finger.

Slide your index finger back along the string from the second fret to the first fret.

Set down your second and third fingers on the second fret of the fourth and fifth strings to complete the E chord.